Mississippi River camping options near Hanover, Illinois offer access to river views and wildlife habitat with seasonal limitations. Temperatures range from summer highs in the 80s to winter lows below freezing, creating a compressed camping season from April through October. Many campgrounds lie in bottomland areas where early spring flooding occasionally impacts site availability and access.
What to do
River exploration: Rock Creek County Marina and Campground provides canoe and kayak rentals for exploring Mississippi backwaters. "Eco Tourism store/grill, paddling rentals, Blue Heron Cruises, nature center. Sites include fire rings, tables, gravel backing pads, electric with some right near water edge," explains one visitor.
Nature programs: Educational opportunities exist throughout the region. "This CG has an assortment of primitive and electrical sites. They also have cabins and canoe/kayak rental, a visitor shop with food/drink and a mini museum of the local wildlife," notes Ryan at Rock Creek County Marina.
Biking routes: Trails connect several campgrounds to nearby towns. "We spent the morning biking the Great River Bike trail as we enjoyed the perfect weather," shares Scott M. at Fishermans Corner. Another reviewer adds: "From this campground you can go north, as far as Savanna. Going south will take you through Hampton, East Moline, Moline, Rock Island, and you can cross over to Davenport."
What campers like
Riverside sites: Waterfront camping spots offer direct water access. "Sites by the river don't have much shade. Sites by the tracks are the most 'wooded' but also right near the trains," notes Mary S. at Blanding Landing.
Pool access: Some campgrounds offer swimming options. "The grounds are nicely landscaped and very well maintained. There's a cute store and a cute little area with outside games like corn hole and yard checkers," explains Stephanie S. at Rustic Barn Campground.
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers stand out to visitors. "Shower house was immaculate with large hard stalled showers/changing room," reports one camper at Rustic Barn. Another notes: "The bathrooms are very clean, but no hot water after telling the host twice."
What you should know
Train noise: Railroad tracks run near several campgrounds. "Not the worst but not one of the best COE campgrounds. No nice gravel or concrete pads anywhere. Many sites are not real level. Biggest issue is train tracks with trains running by very often," warns Tony D. about Blanding Landing.
Weather impacts: Storms can affect camping conditions significantly. "If you need ANY assistance or guidance from the host, good luck. I was met with attitude and zero empathy on where, how or what to do when our camp site was ankle deep in water," reports Juli H. at Spruce Creek Park.
Cell service: Connectivity varies throughout the region with some areas offering limited coverage. "As a note, we have ATT and had decent cell service here," mentions a camper at Blanding Landing. Another reviewer notes: "WiFi is also available" at Rustic Barn, though service quality varies between campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. "The campground is very pretty. Being on the water is beautiful," notes a visitor at Spruce Creek Park. At Rock Creek, a reviewer mentions "They also have an Eco Center with turtles, snakes, and an aquarium that our family really enjoyed."
Budget-friendly options: Army Corps of Engineers sites often provide more affordable camping. "Primitive tent site, fire ring/grill, cheap stay. has small camp store and newer nature center, canoe/kayak rentals, shower house, wood for fee," describes James M. at Rock Creek.
Educational opportunities: Off Shore RV Park provides opportunities to learn about river ecosystems. "Resort has many options: even camp sites, 4 villas, resort inn rooms. Sites have hard surfaces, fire rings, water, electric. Boat ramp nearby, resort has restaurant, playground, water park," notes James M.
Tips from RVers
Site surfaces: RV camping near Hanover requires attention to pad conditions. "Sites are close together: gravel pads, onsite: water, firewood, fire pit, tables, food nearby, playground adjacent, near Highway 30," reports a camper at Porth RV Park.
Hookup availability: Full connections aren't available at all locations. "Campground has gravel lanes, roads pads, appears to have annual residence, campground office, pool is clean, planes, farm, and fleet nearby for Supplies. Sites include tables, water, electric, though need updating," notes James M. at Interstate RV Park.
Seasonal limitations: Many campgrounds operate only part of the year. "Showers are open until October 14 this year," reports Jeff and Linda L. about Rock Creek. Most campgrounds close between late October and early April.
